YOUNGSTERS with severe physical disabilities took part in a sponsored toddle along Felixstowe prom to help raise funds to keep their pre-school open.Like many charities across the county, the Suffolk School for Parents at Sproughton is facing tough times finding enough money.

YOUNGSTERS with severe physical disabilities took part in a sponsored toddle along Felixstowe prom to help raise funds to keep their pre-school open.

Like many charities across the county, the Suffolk School for Parents at Sproughton is facing tough times finding enough money.

Parents and carers are determined to keep it running because of the vital service it provides and so walked with the children, some in buggies, from the Spa Pavilion to the leisure centre and back.

Alison Stonham, project leader at the pre-school in Burstall Lane, said the school covers the whole of the county and caters for children with physical disabilities from birth to the age of five.

The aim of the work at the centre is to stimulate the children and help them to achieve any independent movement they can, working closely with their families to offer them support and help.

“We focus on what the children will be able to do rather than what they won't and concentrate on teaching them life skills - for parents of normal children so many things are taken for granted, but for children with motor-learning difficulties a small thing can be a real milestone and worth celebrating and encouraging all we can,” she said.

A summer ball in aid of the pre-school is to be held at the Novotel in Ipswich on Friday June 12 from 7pm to 12.30pm. Tickets are �45 and full details area available on 01473 652880.